Are Catholic priests employed by the Church, or by the hand of God?

This question was at the heart of a five-year legal battle between a survivor of child sexual abuse seeking compensation from the Catholic Church and Bishop Paul Bird of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat.

The High Court’s decision last November – that the Catholic Church does not employ priests and therefore is not liable – came as a surprise to lawyers and as a devastating blow to survivors seeking justice.

Australia now stands alone among common law jurisdictions in taking this stance.

Today, lawyer and advocate representing victims of institutional abuse, Judy Courtin, on the far-reaching consequences of this ruling – and how the courts continue to fail victim-survivors.


If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Lawyer and advocate representing victims of institutional abuse, Judy Courtin.

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Are Catholic priests employed by the Church, or by the hand of God?
This question was at the heart of a five-year legal battle between a survivor of child sexual abuse seeking compensation from the Catholic Church and Bishop Paul Bird of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat.
The High Court&rsquo;s decision last November &ndash; that the Catholic Church does not employ priests and therefore is not liable &ndash; came as a surprise to lawyers and as a devastating blow to survivors seeking justice.
Australia now stands alone among common law jurisdictions in taking this stance.
Today, lawyer and advocate representing victims of institutional abuse, Judy Courtin, on the far-reaching consequences of this ruling &ndash; and how the courts continue to fail victim-survivors.
 If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Lawyer and advocate representing victims of institutional abuse, Judy Courtin.
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

The Catholic Church’s legal loophole for abuse

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/3228cae7-c116-4f61-a153-b2a5004fa50f/transcript

One of Australia’s most prestigious universities is now at the centre of three investigations and could be about to face a fourth.

Last year, ANU vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell resigned after pressure over a massive restructure and the hidden role consultants played in shaping it.

Now two inquiries are now looking at whether the changes, meant to save $250 million, were ever justified. A separate investigation is looking into bullying allegations against former chancellor Julie Bishop. And Bell herself has been suspended from her ongoing role as a distinguished professor, accused of serious misconduct.

It comes as powerful firms are reshaping higher education. A recent Four Corners investigation found Australian unis are spending roughly $1.8 billion a year on consultants and contractors.

Today, we’re bringing you an episode from 2025, where senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton examines how consultants came to shape Australian unis, and what that’s meant for higher education.

This episode first aired in July 2025.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

One of Australia&rsquo;s most prestigious universities is now at the centre of three investigations and could be about to face a fourth.
Last year, ANU vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell resigned after pressure over a massive restructure and the hidden role consultants played in shaping it.
Now two inquiries are now looking at whether the changes, meant to save $250 million, were ever justified. A separate investigation is looking into bullying allegations against former chancellor Julie Bishop. And Bell herself has been suspended from her ongoing role as a distinguished professor, accused of serious misconduct.
It comes as powerful firms are reshaping higher education. A recent Four Corners investigation found Australian unis are spending roughly $1.8 billion a year on consultants and contractors.
Today, we&rsquo;re bringing you an episode from 2025, where senior reporter for&nbsp;The Saturday Paper Rick Morton examines how consultants came to shape Australian unis, and what that&rsquo;s meant for higher education. This episode first aired in July 2025.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton
Photo:&nbsp;AAP Image/Lukas Coch

The powerful firms reshaping our universities

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/ebd1ba9b-71b2-41e9-850a-b42f00352dcb/transcript

This week, the Albanese government has been forced to confront a growing sense of instability, with fresh warnings from the IMF about the global economy, including the potential impact on Australia. 

It’s placed new pressure on Treasurer Jim Chalmers ahead of the budget, as the government deals with a fuel supply scare that pulled the prime minister back to the country in the middle of an overseas mission to secure supplies for the nation. 

As Labor tries to steady nerves, the opposition is pushing a hard line on migration, with Angus Taylor reaching for politics that feel both familiar and deliberately divisive – so much so that it prompted a former prime minister to release a scathing statement. 

Today, press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno on the economic anxiety hanging over the government, the opposition's incendiary pitch on migration, and how both sides are trying to define the moment.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Press Gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno

Photo: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

This week, the Albanese government has been forced to confront a growing sense of instability, with fresh warnings from the IMF about the global economy, including the potential impact on Australia.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s placed new pressure on Treasurer Jim Chalmers ahead of the budget, as the government deals with a fuel supply scare that pulled the prime minister back to the country in the middle of an overseas mission to secure supplies for the nation.&nbsp;
As Labor tries to steady nerves, the opposition is pushing a hard line on migration, with Angus Taylor reaching for politics that feel both familiar and deliberately divisive &ndash; so much so that it prompted a former prime minister to release a scathing statement.&nbsp;
Today, press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno on the economic anxiety hanging over the government, the opposition's incendiary pitch on migration, and how both sides are trying to define the moment.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Press Gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno
Photo:&nbsp;AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

“Dumb bigotry” and recession warnings: the week in politics

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/85e8c49b-b04f-4bac-bd70-b42f006ea97a/transcript

For years, gambling advertising has spread far beyond the ad break, becoming a familiar part of how Australians watch sport, follow news about sport and spend time online. Three years after the Murphy review called for a comprehensive ban, the Albanese government has finally responded. 

But the government’s plan to reign in online gambling advertising has drawn sharp criticism. With campaigners and crossbenchers arguing it falls well short of what was recommended. 

And in that gap, a bigger fight has opened up about how deeply betting has worked its way into Australian media and Australian’s lives. 

Today, Crikey media reporter, Daany Saeed, on the government’s plan to reduce gambling ads, and why its long-awaited response is already under fire. 

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Crikey media reporter Daanyal Saeed

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

For years, gambling advertising has spread far beyond the ad break, becoming a familiar part of how Australians watch sport, follow news about sport and spend time online. Three years after the Murphy review called for a comprehensive ban, the Albanese government has finally responded.&nbsp;
But the government&rsquo;s plan to reign in online gambling advertising has drawn sharp criticism. With campaigners and crossbenchers arguing it falls well short of what was recommended.&nbsp;
And in that gap, a bigger fight has opened up about how deeply betting has worked its way into Australian media and Australian&rsquo;s lives.&nbsp;
Today, Crikey media reporter, Daany Saeed, on the government&rsquo;s plan to reduce gambling ads, and why its long-awaited response is already under fire.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Crikey media reporter Daanyal Saeed
Photo:&nbsp;AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Albo’s gambling ad gamble: too little too late?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/d2b2c8be-0e2c-49c0-92b8-b42e0055cd41/transcript

The Catholic Church’s legal loophole for abuse

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